Chapter 2

Walking out into the street, the rain came down in sheets.

I couldn't hail an Uber either. But unlike Chloe, nobody came rushing to rescue me. Julian never even texted to ask if I had made it outside safely.

By the time I unlocked the apartment door, drenched to the bone, it was past nine.

Finally, Julian sent an update: [Mia's fever finally broke. I'm staying the night to help Chloe keep an eye on her.]

[I left your birthday gift on the nightstand before leaving. Make sure to open it.]

I didn't reply. I didn't touch the gift box on the nightstand either.

I took a scalding hot shower, wrapped myself in a blanket, and fell asleep.

Maybe my immune system was already trashed from the severe allergic reaction two days ago. Catching that rainstorm completely took me out.

When I opened my eyes the next morning, my forehead was burning, and my muscles ached so badly I couldn't sit up.

Julian still wasn't back.

I dialed his number three times in a row. No answer.

Fifteen minutes later, he called back. "Why did you call so many times?"

My throat felt like sandpaper. "I have a fever, Julian."

I foolishly thought he'd say he was coming right home.

Instead, a tired sigh came through the speaker. "Stella, I get that you're still mad about last night."

"But this client today is huge. It's Chloe's first independent gig, and she can't handle the pitch alone."

I dug my fingernails into my palm, using the sting of pain to keep myself conscious.

"Julian... I'm really sick..."

This time, his tone turned chilly. "If you're sick, call an Uber and go to urgent care."

"I am in the middle of work right now. I don't have time for this."

Click.

The call ended, and I leaned over the edge of the mattress, dry-heaving violently.

It wasn't that I refused to go to the doctor on my own. I literally didn't have the strength to stand up.

With the last ounce of energy in my fingers, I dialed my best friend, Brooke.

Brooke sped across town, helped me down the stairs, and drove me straight to the ER.

While I lay on the hospital cot hooked up to fluids, Brooke handed me my phone, her hands shaking with rage. "This is his 'huge client pitch'?"

On the screen was Chloe's latest Instagram post.

[So grateful to have this amazing man by our side at the carnival today.]

Below the caption were several photos.

In front of the carousel, Julian was smiling tenderly, adjusting a pink Minnie Mouse headband on Mia's head.

In another shot, Julian held the little girl in his arms while Chloe leaned into his shoulder, snapping a selfie with a radiant smile.

They looked like a picture-perfect family of three.

And I was just an outsider.

Brooke looked at me, heartbroken. "Stella, how much longer are you going to lie to yourself?"

Five years was a long time. Long enough to make letting go feel like tearing off a limb.

But I had forgotten the basic rule: sunk costs should never dictate your future.

I locked the screen. My voice was steady and quiet. "I'm breaking up with him."

I got discharged late that afternoon. Not long after I got home, Julian walked in through the front door.

I unlocked my phone, pulled up Chloe's Instagram post, and shoved it in front of his face. "Care to explain?"

He glanced at the screen and let out an easy, dismissive chuckle.

"Don't read into it, babe. After we wrapped the client meeting, Mia really wanted to ride the carousel."

"Chloe's ex-husband is a deadbeat who hasn't checked on the kid once since the split. I just took Mia around for an hour."

I curled my lips into a cold smile. "So you lied to me."

Julian reached over, trying to take my cold hands. "Stella, don't be so dramatic."

"I know you're upset, but didn't I just explain everything?"

"Mia is a toddler without a father figure. It's heartbreaking. You're a grown woman—why are you getting jealous over a little girl?"

Before I could pull away, he pulled me into his arms, effectively shutting me up.

"Stop being angry. Be the bigger person."

"Haven't you always wanted to get married? As soon as this busy season wraps up, I'll take you bridal gown shopping."

So, he had known all along.

He had always known that all I ever wanted was a home with him.

I blinked slowly, a bitter taste filling my mouth.

The words I had waited half a decade to hear were finally spoken—not out of love, but as a cheap bargaining chip to placate me.

I gently pushed him away. "Let's talk about it later. Don't you have that statewide MC competition coming up next week?"

Julian let out a huge sigh of relief. "I knew my Stella was the most understanding girl in the world."

"Relax, okay? We've been together for five years. Even if every man on the planet cheats, I never would."

With that, he whistlingly walked into the bedroom.

I stood in the hallway, slowly unclenching my fists.

I knew he hadn't slept with Chloe yet.

But the scales in his heart had already tipped completely.

No matter how deep a foundation you build, the moment one person's devotion starts wandering, the relationship is already dead.